"The important thing is to retain all his strength. We want to keep the good points and eradicate the bad ones."

England legend Terry Butcher agrees with Ferdinand, and reckons Rooney has only gone over the mark because he has shown how much he cares about success.

Butcher said: "Last year he didn't win anything at Manchester United. He went there in the hope he would win things, and win with England as well, and he is really hacked off that he has not won anything.

"Rooney lives on the edge at times because he plays better that way. He sails a bit close to the wind but a player like Rooney has to be like that, he has to be on the edge.

"His adrenaline has to be really pumping because then you get the best out of him. He is a phenomenal talent."